Every Saturday, we have a program for our students in Kampala which includes crafts, games, Bible study, feeding, and other various activities. Lately, we have been trying to introduce new skills to them which they have never had the opportunity to learn... things like crocheting, videography, and KARATE! I had the privelege of studying
karate for several years during and after college. When I left to come to Uganda, I was a brown belt, which is one rank below a black belt. I am now getting the opportunity to put my karate skills into practice by starting a class during the Saturday program. Martial arts is not at all prevalent in Uganda (or Africa for that matter). The only thing people know of martial arts is what they may have seen in a few movies. Consequently, the students in COH have shown a great amount of interest and excitement in learning karate. We cram about 20-30 people into a tiny classroom. Although space is a little tight, it does not stop everyone from full participation. We have had a handful of classes now and I have never seen such attentive students! Because they
are eager to learn, the students follow instructions well and even remember all the strange new terms that they are learning about karate. We make sure to stress the importance of karate being about self-respect and self-defense, not about violence. I wanted to share some photos with you. I think it is amazing to see these kids from the slums of Kampala transformed into a disciplined and enthusaistic group of karateka (karate students).
Every Saturday, we have a program for our students in Kampala which includes crafts, games, Bible study, feeding, and other various activities. Lately, we have been trying to introduce new skills to them which they have never had the opportunity to learn... things like crocheting, videography, and KARATE! I had the privelege of studying 
karate for several years during and after college. When I left to come to Uganda, I was a brown belt, which is one rank below a black belt. I am now getting the opportunity to put my karate skills into practice by starting a class during the Saturday program. Martial arts is not at all prevalent in Uganda (or Africa for that matter). The only thing people know of martial arts is what they may have seen in a few movies. Consequently, the students in COH have shown a great amount of interest and excitement in learning karate. We cram about 20-30 people into a tiny classroom. Although space is a little tight, it does not stop everyone from full participation. We have had a handful of classes now and I have never seen such attentive students! Because they 
are eager to learn, the students follow instructions well and even remember all the strange new terms that they are learning about karate. We make sure to stress the importance of karate being about self-respect and self-defense, not about violence. I wanted to share some photos with you. I think it is amazing to see these kids from the slums of Kampala transformed into a disciplined and enthusaistic group of karateka (karate students).
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